Keep the Kids Busy

What kid does not like a good scavenger hunt? Keep your little guests busy with the simple game of I Spy. At their place setting equip them with the list of items, a pencil and a disposable camera for them to capture the items on film as they find them. Those of you trying to find something to keep the kiddies out of your hair, I think this is a great one. I'll be suggesting this to my September bride for her underage guests.

Find the list of items developed by Martha Stewart Weddings here.




Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

Welcome Packages are still a nice touch

In March 2002, I got married and even on my shoestring budget I wanted to have something in the hotel rooms of my out of town guests to thank them for traveling so far when they arrived. So in each package I gave a Tallahassee city map and city guide, a weekend itinerary and a little package of homemade sugar cookies baked by little ole' me. Now, I know that was not very fancy, but it was a nice touch that was appreciated by those guests the entire wedding weekend. Of course, I didn't think to take a picture of it!

I am a big stickler for staying on budget, but if you had a little wiggle room, I think it would be courteous to deliver your out of town guests a few items to make them feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar city. Your local Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for providing items related to the city you are having your nuptials. Often times these items are very reasonably priced or even free, which is great for you guys on a tight budget.

Now, for those of you who have designated money into your budgets for these gifts, there are companies that specialize in preparing gift baskets for your wedding theme and budget. CarePkg, a gift package design company, customizes each welcome package based on your theme, color or budget. These ladies provide you with unique items for each basket designed. Each package is designed specifically for your event and is styled with trendy products and treats to make your guests ohh and ahhh.

So basically, there is help for those of you who don't have the time to bake your own special cookies or would just prefer someone else to gather all of the items to make your package unique. Having a special package for your guests as they check into their hotel rooms is an excellent way to say thank you for traveling to your wedding.

Image from afamous artist.

Your Spring Wedding - Mocktails

What's a beautiful spring wedding without great food and drinks. What better way to think about your guests than to give them an option when it comes to your signature drinks. They choose beef or chicken, right? Brides and grooms out there, you can still have a stylish and trendy event even if you do not serve alcohol. It's just all about how you do it. Although you will not have the fully stocked bar, having a few drinks set up specifically for your guests would be a great touch and a tasty one if you pick the right drinks. Here's a few to whet your taste buds!

Oh do I love sweet tea and lemonade. If you're from Charlotte, you've had this drink probably 100 times. The Arnold Palmer. So simple but yet so refreshing. It's an excellent drink for an afternoon garden reception. Here is the recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 oz lemonade
• 3 oz iced tea

PREPARATION:

1. Pour equal amounts of lemonade and iced tea into a collins glass filled with ice.
2. Stir

I've never tried this drink, but it sounds delicious and it's so pretty. Your guests will fill like they are getting a treat when they see this one. It's the Virgin Miami Vice. (pictured above)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz coconut cream
• 1/2 oz half & half cream
• 1 1/2 oz strawberry puree
• 1 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• 1 cup ice, crushed
• strawberry for garnish

PREPARATION:

1. Place the pineapple juice, coconut cream, cream and a half a cup of ice into a blender.
2. Blend the mixture until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a highball glass.
4. Place the strawberry puree, lime juice, simple syrup and the remaining half cup of ice into a blender.
5. Blend the mixture until smooth.
6. Slowly pour the strawberry-lime mixture over the back of a barspoon on top of the pineapple-coconut mixture.
7. Garnish with a strawberry.

Last put not least we have the more sophisticated of the three, the Designated Appletini. I love that name! :) Here's how to make it.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz freshly pressed apple juice (green or gold apples)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/4 oz lemon juice
• granulated sugar for rimming
• apple slice for garnish

PREPARATION:

1. Add apple juice, simple syrup and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with granulated sugar.
4. Garnish with an apple slice.

Photos courtesy of: Arnold Palmer: Wandering Chopsticks
Virgin Miami Vice: Spokane7
Appletini: Daffodils

For more mocktails check out this full list!

Your Spring Wedding - Circular Ceremony Seating

Often times when you're having your ceremony in a hall or church you don't really have an option in regards to how to seat your guests. However, if you plan on taking advantage of the beautiful weather(we hope) and the newly bloomed flowers this spring why not consider having circular seating for your guests.


With this seating all of your guests can see and hear everything! Remember if you aren't mic'd up appropriately your guests sitting way in the back may not hear you say your vows or miss out on a funny comment made by your groom. But if you seat them this way they will not miss a thing. Remember it's the little details that your guests will appreciate most and believe me that won't stop talking about it!
Photos courtesy of Larrimore Weddings and Sawnet.org

Mocktails....Non-Alcoholic Signature Drinks for Your Wedding Reception

No that's not a typo, I meant to say Non Alcoholic Signature Drinks! Yes it can be done. I was having a chat last night with a bride-to-be who is trying to determine if she and her fiance should serve alcohol at their reception when the two of them do not drink. I do understand the concern of trying to please your guests, because I think it is very important to make your guests feel comfy, but not if it compromises your values or beliefs.

Just so I'm clear, I'm not downing anyone for having a full bar with top shelf liquor at their party, this is merely to give some ideas for those who do not want to serve alcohol or wanting to give an option to your guests who aren't drinkers (which is a great idea)! Believe it or not people, you can still have a fun party without alcoholic drinks. Take a look at a few options...

How about the Virginal Sangria (not sure if I like that name).

Ingredients:
Your favorite fruits (I used red delicious apples, oranges, plums, and peaches), sliced artistically
3/4 C homemade grenadine (Pomegranate syrup)
4 C 100% Cranberry Juice
4 C Ginger Ale, cold

Directions:
The day before you wish to serve this sangria do the following:
In a large bowl place sliced fruits, cover with the cranberry juice and the pomegranate syrup.

Refrigerate overnight. Also have the ginger ale cooling in the fridge.

At service:
In an attractive serving pitcher add ice and the 4 cups of ginger ale.

To this add fruit chunks and the soaking liquid. Serve and enjoy.

Now for all you who are looking for a traditional southern drink without the kick to it, try the Virgin Mint Julep.

1	ounce lime juice (or juice of 1/2 lime)
1	ounce orange juice
1	ounce pineapple juice
1/2	ounce raspberry flavored syrup
	club soda, to fill glass
4	crushed mint leaves

1. Combine all ingredients except club soda in a shaker half filled with ice. Shake well.
2. Strain into collins glass. Add club soda and stir gently.
3. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Now this was my favorite find, it's called the Blushing Bride. This drink would be lovely served in a flute or in a martini glass.

Ingredients:
5 oz sparkling cider
splash of grenadine
splash of lime juice

Fill glass with sparkling cider and add grenadine and lime juice. Garnish with maraschino cherry.



Now to end the night, why not offer a signature coffee. This would be a wonderful touch to send your guests off rejuvenated with a nice latte, cafe au lait or even your own special recipe. This one sounds delish! I may try it in the morning.


Chocolate Cream Coffee

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 cup coffee
• Ground cinnamon
• Sweetened chocolate powder
• Grated orange peel

Whip all but 1 tablespoon of the cream. Stir the reserved tablespoon of cream and the chocolate syrup in a saucepan over low heat until mixed together. Add the coffee gradually, stirring the mixture as you do so. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and cinnamon, chocolate powder, and grated orange peel.

I hope these ideas have shown you the many possibilities of drinks that can be served at your reception. There are a number of alcoholic drinks that can be changed to a non-alcoholic beverage. Ask your caterer/bartender or better yet ask your planner to help you!

Keep them comfortable.

Comfy guests are Thankful guests. This is the first of many posts about how to keep your guests comfortable at your wedding.

I was doing my daily blog stalking when I ran across an ad for the Don't Bug Me Patch a new product to protect against the psycho bugs that drive everyone nuts during these warmer months. This patch is DEET free, waterproof and it lasts for 36 hours. Wow! What a great idea. All you Carolina brides out there who are taking advantage of the beautiful scenery in our area and having your nuptials outside, having this product for your guests will definitely get you an additional thank you. Remember, sometimes it is the kindest details that people remember.